How to pack for a motorcycle trip….You ever pack for a motorcycle trip thinking “This’ll be a breeze,” and then halfway through day two you’re like, “Did I seriously bring three t-shirts but no toothbrush?”
Yeah. That happened.
Figuring out how to pack for a motorcycle trip is weirdly like trying to solve one of those sliding tile puzzles from the ‘90s. You know there’s a method… but mostly you’re just shoving stuff around and hoping it fits without exploding.
So here’s the very real, very messy, not-at-all glamorous truth about what you actually need to bring on a motorcycle trip—and what you’ll definitely regret leaving behind. If you’re the type who folds their socks into perfect little sushi rolls, I applaud you. But this post may cause you emotional distress.
🎒 The Golden Rule: If It Doesn’t Fit in the Saddlebags, You Don’t Need It (Probably)
First things first: space is a lie.
You think you’ve got room. Those saddlebags looked spacious in the ad. But by the time you cram in your rain gear, extra gloves, snacks (don’t forget snacks), and that “just in case” toolkit… you’re basically Tetris-ing your underwear between your brake pads.
This is not a carry-on suitcase situation. This is war.
So here’s what I learned the hard way…
🧦 Essentials That Actually Matter (AKA: Stuff I’d Turn Around For If I Forgot)
1. Base Layers & Undergarments
Let’s start here because… no one likes a swampy situation down under.
- 2–3 moisture-wicking shirts
- 3–4 pairs of underwear (quick-dry is key)
- Wool socks. Even in summer. I don’t make the rules.
I once packed 5 cotton shirts and no thermal layer. Rode through Colorado. Froze my metaphorical butt off. Lesson learned.
2. Riding Gear That Works in Multiple Forecasts
You can’t bring your whole closet. Layer smart.
- Mesh jacket with zip-in liner = chef’s kiss
- Lightweight rain shell (seriously, always bring one)
- Riding pants that double as walking-around pants
- Extra gloves (one wet pair = one grumpy ride)
Side note: If you’re gonna go minimalist, skip fashion. Function > fashion. Your wind-chapped cheeks won’t care about color coordination.
3. Tools & Fix-It Junk
I once zip-tied my left mirror using a spoon and a sock. Never again.
So now I carry:
- Tire repair kit (yes, even tubeless tires)
- Compact air pump or CO₂ canisters
- Basic wrench/Allen key set
- Zip ties (the duct tape of bike life)
- Small roll of duct tape (because, obviously)
Bonus: Bring chain lube. Your bike deserves love too.
🧼 Hygiene Stuff (Don’t Smell Like Roadkill)
You will stink. Accept it. But you don’t have to be offensive.
Pack travel-sized everything and shove it all in one of those waterproof dry bags.
- Toothbrush + paste (don’t forget this like I did)
- Biodegradable soap (doubles for face/hair/body if you’re a savage like me)
- Deodorant (unless you’re riding alone forever)
- Baby wipes. Never travel without baby wipes.
- Quick-dry towel (those weird microfiber ones that feel like a ghost blanket)
Also, sunscreen. Yes, even if you’re wearing a helmet. That nose sunburn will haunt you.
🛏️ Sleep & Chill Kit (For Camping or Sketchy Motels)
If you’re camping or even thinking about camping:
- Tent (duh)
- Sleeping bag (I once forgot mine. I cried.)
- Inflatable pad or foam mat (unless you enjoy back pain)
- Headlamp (because phones die, and you will drop something)
- Earplugs (wildlife, bikers, and highway hotels all have noises)
If you’re a motel person—don’t skip the earplugs. Trust me.
🥪 Snacks, Water, & Weird Cravings
No joke, I once pulled into a gas station at 2 a.m. because I needed a Twinkie that bad. What I’m saying is:
- Bring snacks.
- Keep a hydration bladder or collapsible bottle.
- Maybe one emergency candy bar for those “I hate everything” moments.
You burn so much energy on a long ride—mentally and physically. Eat like you mean it.
📱 Tech & Gadget Stuff (Minimalist But Not Amish)
- Phone + charger + backup battery
- Mount for GPS/phone
- Bluetooth headset (if you’re riding with friends or like yelling at Siri)
- Small power strip if you’re hotel hopping
- Paper map (because satellites die and phones break and I’m old-fashioned)
🧩 Bonus Chaos: Things I Swear By (That You Might Laugh At)
- Bungee net – For grabbing gas station snacks on top of your luggage.
- Tiny notebook + pen – For writing weird thoughts mid-trip or sketching random dogs you meet.
- Carabiners – For clipping wet socks to the back of your bike like a laundry line.
- Mini first-aid kit – Just do it.
- Spare earplugs – Seriously, bring five. You’ll lose all of them.
❌ Things I Always Think I Need but Never Do
- Extra pair of jeans (just wear the same pair, no one cares)
- Fancy shoes (you’ll be in boots 99% of the time)
- 18 chargers for 3 devices (just rotate, friend)
- Books (I never read on trips, even when I swear I will)
- A fourth pair of gloves (what are you, Edward Glovehands?)
🚫 Rookie Mistakes I’ve Definitely Made
- Packed all my gear before checking the weather. It snowed. I cried.
- Didn’t test my luggage setup until 5 minutes before departure. Everything fell off.
- Brought full-size shampoo. It exploded.
- Forgot underwear. Borrowed from a gas station convenience store. They were not great.
- Didn’t label bags. Spent 15 minutes looking for socks that were in my toiletry bag.
🧠 My Packing System (Chaotic But Effective-ish)
Here’s how I do it. No Marie Kondo, just chaos and survival instinct.
Left Saddlebag:
- Tools
- Rain gear
- Food stash
Right Saddlebag:
- Clothes
- Toiletries
- First-aid + baby wipes
Tail bag or top box:
- Tent/sleeping gear
- Shoes
- Tech stuff (padded inside a dry bag)
Tank bag? Snacks and electronics and things I’ll yell about if I lose. Also, the notebook.
✌️ Wrap-Up Vibes (Not a Conclusion, Just Me Rambling)
So, how to pack for a motorcycle trip? Honestly, it’s a lot like life. You’ll never be 100% ready. You’ll forget something dumb and remember something brilliant at the last second.
But if you’ve got the basics? A good jacket, dry socks, a toothbrush, and snacks? You’ll be just fine. https://bikelovezone.com/how-to-find-the-best-motorcycle-destinations/.
Oh—and always pack your curiosity. Cheesy, I know. But the best parts of my trips were never in the plan. They happened when I got lost or broke down or shared gas station ramen with a stranger named Vince who once rode across three continents with a backpack full of rocks. (Long story. Maybe later.)
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